Colombian president leaves hospital after cancer surgery

October 06, 2012|Reuters

BOGOTA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Colombian President Juan ManuelSantos was released from a hospital on Saturday and said he was"totally cured" after successful surgery for prostate cancerthat had not spread beyond the gland.

Santos, 61, said on Monday that doctors had discovered atumor on his prostate. The cancer announcement came two weeksbefore his government was to start peace talks that could put anend to almost 50 years of war with Marxist rebels.

"As you can see, I'm going back home, one of the mostpleasant feelings one can have after this experience," Santostold reporters as he left the hospital in northern Bogota.

He also thanked the medical team that treated him.

"I was able to save my life because it was confirmedyesterday that the tumor had not metastasized (spread to otherbody parts). ... They tested all the glands and there was notrace of cancer. In other words, I'm totally cured," he said ashe walked out of the hospital.

Santos will not require chemotherapy, his doctors have said,and a complete recovery will likely take up to three weeks.During that time, his ability to travel will be limited.